National Suicide Prevention Month
Issue No. 005 - September 2025
Suicide Awareness
September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging open dialog, and sharing resources that may help prevent another suicide.
According to the Center for Disease Control “Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.” In 2023, there were over 49,000 people who committed suicide. To be more specific, every 11 minutes 1 person died by suicide.
Suicide is a complicated issue caused by many factors. Thoughts of suicide can afflict anyone irrespective of race, gender, age, or social status. Our military veterans are at a much higher risk for committing suicide compared to the general population. According to a 2024 Annual Report conducted by the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs on average 17 veterans die by suicide every day. The reasons for these alarming numbers might involve a multitude of factors such as combat trauma, military sexual trauma, injury, stress, burnout, isolation, loneliness, substance abuse, difficulties adapting back to civilian life, are just a few things can all add to the risk of a veteran committing suicide. According to Health.mil a study by the Pentagon revealed that U.S soldiers are 9x more likely to die by suicide than they are in combat.
Recognizing the warning signs are crucial.
As stated by the National Insititute of Mental Health the following are warning signs of suicide:
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration list the following signs:
Adult Suicide Warning Signs
Talking about or making plans for suicide.
Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.
Chronic illness or serious physical health conditions.
Youth Suicide Warning Signs
Expressing hopelessness about the future.
Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress.
Increased physical symptoms—such as fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches—commonly associated with emotional distress.
Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations.
Changes in sleep (increased or decreased).
Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context.
Recent increased agitation or irritability.
The simple truth of it is our military veterans have put others’ lives above their own. For too many who are serving or have served they may not be aware of where to turn to for help or what resources there are available for them. To say we should make preventing veteran suicide a national priority is an understatement. In this fight against suicide we are all called to action. Standing by idly is not an option.
If you or someone you know needs support. You are not alone.
Contact:
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 then Press 1 or Text: 838255
Call, Text, Online Chat – Free and confidential resource for Veterans and their family and friends. Speak to trained responders 24/7.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Text and Online – Volunteer based service offering 24/7 free support and help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Call 1-800-950-6264 or Text “helpline” to 62640
Call, text, or chat available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET – To find support for your loved ones. Also offers a Family-to-Family Education Program for caregivers of people with mental illness.
Stop Soldier Suicide – ROGER Wellness Service – ROGER is a free, confidential wellness service from Stop Soldier Suicide. They offer virtual counseling and suicide specific care to veterans and service members.
Give an Hour – Give an Hour offers free, confidential mental health care to veterans, service members, and their families.
US Department of Veterans Affairs – Call 1-800-692-2411 and select “0” to connect with an agent.
Vet Talk
Vet Talk is the brainchild of Juan Blanco, Coffee4VETS’ founder and president. Juan started Vet Talk during the pandemic as a way to help veterans work through the difficulties of being isolated, sheltering at home, and social distancing. Vet Talk became crucial in keeping the veteran community connected.
In continuing with the same spirit of keeping the veteran community connected. Vet Talk is being relaunched. The series will feature 1 monthly question answered by our Veteran community. The monthly question will cover a broad scope of topics, ranging from their lives before, during, and after service.
A special Thank You to SP5 E5 Felix Primero, U.S Army (Retired) and E4 Lizeth Robertson, U.S Navy (Retired) for your service and for taking the time to answer this month’s question.
This month’s question is: What’s the one thing you wish people understood about service members?
"Even though I was not in Vietnam, I was in South East Asia ... What I didn't understand was the way people resented us being over there when we were over there trying preserve their right to say the things that they said negative about us...We didn't do it for ourselves. We did it for everybody, for the country, for the world really...For world peace.
Basically, it pissed me off that those guys ... as soon as there was a draft they headed for Canada...I did not appreciate that. We go over there to fight for their right to run to another country like a bunch of cowards.
If you don't want to go fine. Keep your mouth shut and let us do our job. Don't burn our flags. Don't tell us to get out of wherever we're at. Let us do our jobs."
U.S Army: July 1963 - July 1966
"There's a lot that people don't understand from what we knew. Starting from boot camp. It's something that I came to realize while I was watching a show of military and mental health...They stated that PTSD starts the day you enter boot camp.
I don't think people know what some services go through starting at boot camp. Some are harder than others...Some people aren't accustomed to being treated that way, to being yelled at and cussed at...I don't think they realize how much we change from the day we walk in - to the day we graduate. And sometimes it's a culture shock for some. Sometimes it's a culture shock to the families when their children come home for the first time and they're a completely different person.
I think we should emphasis that our change starts the day we walk in. It just progresses depending on what branch or what their job title is. People see a lot of horrifying things overseas. Family members don't always understand. That's something that should be talked about more often.
We should try to encourage our families to understand and to help. I believe if we start at that I don't think we'd have as many of our brothers and sisters that take their own lives. years later.
I think we should normalize the harsh reality of service members. Just because people didn't go to war doesn't mean they didn't see or had a traumatic event. For some the traumatic even was boot camp. If we had more family members or ways to talk about what happened and what changed a person, then we can help them back."
U.S Navy: Nov. 2003 - Oct. 2011
Save the Date
We Invite You to Join Us
Join us for our weekly Coffee4VETS event! Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy FREE coffee and 1/2 off breakfast!
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 7 A.M – 9 A.M
Where: Crazy Otto’s Diner at 1228 W. Ave I, Lancaster, CA
Date: 1st and 3rdThursday of the month at the
Where: Crazy Otto’s Diner at 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA
FALL HIRING FAIR – READ CAREFULLY
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED — NO EXCEPTIONS
Date: Friday, September 19,2025
Time: 10 A.M – 2 A.M
Click on Link for more info: Edwards Air Force Base Fall Job Fair
Scan the QR Code:
108 out of 200 tickets sold as of Aug. 27
Date: Saturday, September 20,2025
Time: 4:30 P.M – 9:30 P.M
Click on link for more info: Joint Service Ball
President's Message
As we approach the end of August, we have had many happenings that are worthy to review. Coffee4VETS attended the Civ Mil BBQ at the Mojave Air & Space Port helping to raise funds for the air man scholarship. A scholarship that helps active-duty enlisted members of the Air Force earn a college degree.
Coffee4VETS also took part in the Edwards Air Force Base Military Family Readiness Center’s back to school symposium where school age children of airman families received school supplies from many vendors including us, learned about fire safety some career goals, were entertained by a magician and as an organization, we too offered school items and helped furnish lunch for 200 or more guests.
Also, during the month of August, I sat down with the Mayor of Palmdale CA. to speak about ways the city can improve on providing assistance to our veteran communities that reside within the Palmdale City limits. Since 2019 Palmdale has honored a veteran during the year who have gone above and beyond in helping veterans in the community. They are honored and given the title of Veteran of the Year Award. Each year the city selects an individual to be Veteran of the Year.
Other Good News:
The long-awaited opening of the Antelope Valley V.A. Outpatient Clinic has arrived. 44439 West 17th Street in Lancaster, Ca. Opening Day was August 27, 2025 and will house the following services:
Women’s Health, Physical Therapy, Optometry, Mental Health, Tele-Audiology, Telehealth and Dental. There will also have on prem Veteran Service Organizations to include Hud-Vash. We look forward to not having to drive down to Sepulveda VA or West LA VA for these services. Please review the attached flyer about the new Lancaster VA Outpatient Clinic.
During the month we also honored the one-year anniversary of the passing of our dear friend and fellow veteran Sgt Danny Bazzell at the Bravery Brewery in Lancaster California. Many gathered to remember and pay tribute to his memory and a slide presentation of him was prepared by Edwards Air Force Base 412th Test Wing Public Affairs and viewed for the family. Coffee4VETS was proud to be a hosting contributor.
Sad News:
The untimely death of our VP Tony Tortolano’s son Ryan Tortolano, left us all grieving. A wonderful young man whose death has left a void in our Vice President and all our lives. I am pleased to say the veteran community came together to assist with the funeral service. Rest in Peace Ryan, you will be missed by all.
As we move into September, the Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, originally proposed by the Central Labor Union who urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date.
- The Military and the Labor Force: A Symbiotic Relationship
Labor Day, has a rich history rooted in the labor movement. It was initially established to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers and their labor unions. But what many may not realize is the strong connection between the military and the labor force.
- Protecting the Nation’s Freedom –The most apparent connection between the military and the labor force is the protection of our nation’s freedom. While many Americans may enjoy the day off on Labor Day, it’s essential to remember that the freedoms we cherish are defended by the brave men and women in the armed forces.
- Military Service as a Career Choice – Military service itself is a form of employment. Enlistment in the armed forces offers individuals the opportunity to gain valuable skills, receive education and training, and secure a stable income for themselves and their families. In this sense, military service aligns with the very essence of Labor Day, which celebrates the workforce and the contributions of employees to the nation’s prosperity and the well-being of our country. Regardless of your employment status, Labor Day still holds a special significance as it strives to commemorate the gritty and resilient spirit of Americans everywhere.
September is back to school and therefore an increase in traffic. Remember to be courteous to others while driving.
September Events
Friday September 19th is a Hiring Fair at the Military & Family Readiness Center, 90 Farrel Dr. Building 5620 EAFB from 09:00 to 13:00. See the attached flyer and visit the QR code for the necessary information.
Saturday September 20th the Air Force All Service Ball will be held at Club Muroc, EAFB beginning at 16:00. Please check the flyer and the QR code for this event
Sunday September 21st Vets4Veterans Car Show & Poker Run – Poncitlan Square in Palmdale from 12 noon to 4pm.
As always, Coffee4VETS continues to meet every Tuesday at the Crazy Otto’s Diner at 1228 West Ave I in Lancaster from 7am to 9am and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Crazy Otto’s Diner at 19132 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, CA 91351 from 8am to 10am.
I look forward to seeing at our breakfast and, welcome to September 2025
Our Moto: “Honoring Our Veterans of Yesterday Who Secured Our Today.”
Our Purpose: Pride of Service
Highlight of The Month
September 2025
Coffee 4VETS Honored three Purple Heart veterans at our Breakfast Program in Santa Clarita.
Happy Birthday
A Very Happy Birthday from Coffee4VETS!
September Observances
Mark Your Calendars
Labor Day
V-J Day (Victory over Japan)
A day that marks the announcement of Japan’s unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II.
Patriot Day
A day of remembrance for the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States
Constitution Week
A week to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution.
Air Force Birthday
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Gold Star Mother’s Day
A day to honor the mothers and families of fallen service members.
VFW Day
A day to commemorate the hard work and sacrifice of veteran men and women who have selflessly served the United States of America. ‘V.F.W.’ stands for ‘Veterans of Foreign Wars,’
Previous Coffee4VETS Newsletters
Click on the images or links to read previous Coffee4VETS Newsletters.
Coffee4VETS, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that operates by the generous donations from individuals and other non-profit organizations. Thank you for visiting our page.